Austria has expelled three Russian diplomats after raising concerns over surveillance equipment installed on diplomatic buildings in Vienna, which authorities say could be used for intelligence gathering.
The government announced the decision on Monday, stating that the diplomats were declared persona non grata over what officials described as an “antenna forest” mounted on the roofs of Russian diplomatic properties.
Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger confirmed that the affected diplomats had already left the country. She said it was unacceptable for diplomatic immunity to be used as a cover for espionage activities.
“It is unacceptable that diplomatic immunity be used to commit espionage,” she said in a statement.
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The expulsions bring to 14 the total number of Russian diplomats Austria has removed since 2020 amid ongoing security concerns.
According to Austria’s domestic intelligence service, numerous satellite dishes installed on Russian state-owned buildings in Vienna—particularly a residential complex for diplomatic staff, have long raised suspicion. The agency warned that the equipment could be used to intercept satellite communications from other countries.
While the Austrian authorities did not disclose specific operational details, intelligence chief Sylvia Mayer said the decision was based on the size and nature of the installations, declining to comment further on the timing of the expulsions.
The Russian embassy in Vienna has not issued an official response, although Russian state media reported that Moscow would react strongly to the decision.
Vienna, which hosts several international organisations, including the United Nations and the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), has long been regarded as a major diplomatic hub with a significant intelligence presence.
Due to its large diplomatic community, Austria’s capital has historically been viewed as a centre for espionage activities, with foreign missions often providing cover for intelligence operatives operating under
